As I mentioned in the introduction, new homeschooling parents should learn as much about homeschooling as possible by reading many different sources. Here continues my Homeschool Glossary of books parents should read.
The Heart of Homeschooling: Teaching & Living What Really Matters by Christopher J. Klicka (Paperback – Jul 2002)
The premise of this book is, have your family in order, and your child’s education will automatically fall in order. The true heart of homeschooling, so to speak, is in the heart of the family. While some may want a meatier how-to-homeschool type book, what a reader should understand is the most important part of homeschooling is the parent-child-family relationship.
The Homeschooling Book of Answers: The 101 Most Important Questions Answered by Homeschooling’s Most Respected Voices (Prima Home Learning Library) by Linda Dobson (Paperback – Feb 26, 2002)
Called “one of the most usable books for a beginning homeschooler”, this book is known to ease the fears of many new homeschoolers. It is geared more toward unschooling and unschoolers, but is necessary read for all homeschoolers. The only caveat in the book is the overwhelmingly negative tone toward public school.
The Knowledge Deficit by E. D. Hirsch (Hardcover – April 24, 2006
I am probably partial to this book as it is written by the author of my favorite series, the “What Your ___ Grader Should Know” books. The author does not necessarily write for homeschoolers, but I have found his books invaluable. The Knowledge deficit talks about what is wrong with American Education. He also gives great ideas for fixing the problems… at least with your own kids.
The Relaxed Home School: A Family Production by Mary Hood (Paperback – Jan 1994)
I read this book at the end of my first year of homeschooling. I am sure my kids are grateful. This book taught me to let go of some of my old public school programming and to relax my grip on lesson plans and results, and simply allow the children to learn. This book is more inspirational than instructional.
The Teenage Liberation Handbook: How to Quit School and Get a Real Life and Education by Grace Llewellyn (Paperback – Sep 1, 1998)
This book is for anyone with high school kids who need an alternative to traditional high school. I highly recommend that parents read this book before they let their kids near it, because it a book of liberation from education as we know it. You will not want a rebellion on your hands.
The Trivium: The Liberal Arts of Logic, Grammar, and Rhetoric by Sister Miriam Joseph and Marguerite McGlinn (Paperback – Jan 28, 2002)
This book gives a deeper understanding of classical education. This book should be read by all educators, and taken to heart. It is thought provoking and will help you create a balanced program for your children, whether you decide to homeschool classically or not.
The Ultimate Book of Homeschooling Ideas: 500+ Fun and Creative Learning Activities for Kids Ages 3-12 by Linda Dobson (Paperback – Nov 26, 2002)
Buy this book and keep it handy. Use it whenever you want to do something spontaneous and fun, or when you need new ideas for any particular subject. Learning should be fun, and this book will help you to keep it that way.
*Have a question about homeschooling? Just ask.
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* Have you seen the homeschooling curriculum glossary?